Renn’s 12 Moments in Anime: 9 OP Sequences
Since I did an ED post, it’s only natural that I’d do one for the OPs, their often more memorable and certainly more expensive counterparts. Unlike with the ED post, I didn’t realize anything special here. OP sequences are OP sequences. They’re big-budget animation of characters you love (or hate, whatever). They’re a minute and a half intro to a show. They ultimately save budget since that’s a minute and a half the animators don’t have to work. They’re also useful for selling CDs. You know the drill.
Hit it!
9: “Fukanzen Nenshou” by Chiaki Ishikawa (Kamisama Dolls)
There are two types of OPs in this post. Ones that look cool because of their big budgets and ones that look cool because of their artistic direction. This is Kamisama Dolls, one of the cheapest shows this year, so you can imagine where this one falls on the spectrum. Still, it’s a nifty piece of animation that “reflects” (very punny) the nature of the show.
8: “Shounen yo Ware ni Kaere” by Etsuko Yakushimaru (Mawaru Penguindrum)
Mawaru Penguindrum’s first and second OPs are remarkably similar. That’s done on purpose, but the point is, either of them could have taken this slot. I gave it to the second OP because I prefer the song, and because the Yuri/Tabuki/Momoka part is brilliant. First, Ikuhara, in true flamboyant fashion changed the Louis Vuitton symbols to Yuri Tokikago symbols. Second, the part where Yuri lifts her foot, and then Tabuki kisses Momoka’s foot is a flawless transition. It’s an unsettling frame, but that’s the point of Penguindrum.
7: “My Dearest” by Supercell (Guilty Crown)
You know, for a big-budget anime like Guilty Crown, this OP makes a remarkable amount of short-cuts. Just look at all those still frames. That said, it still looks very cool, with redjuice’s sexy character designs flashing across the scene. And then there’s the song. Look, this isn’t Radiohead or anything, but it’s still beautiful, well-sung, and a great lead to get you into the show. And then five minutes in, you’re not so into it, but oh well.
6: “Cold Finger Girl” by Chiaki Kuriyama (Level E)
I love how this OP fits the main character, Prince Baka. At one point, it looks like a horror story. At one point, it looks like a romance. At one point, it looks like an alien action flick. At one point, it looks like a porno. So, what is it? At the end of the day, it’s just a giant troll. A neatly styled one, to boot.
5: “Matoryoshika” by NICO Touches the Walls ([C])
I’ve never encountered a Kenji Nakamura OP that I didn’t like. Sure, Trapeze and Mononoke have much better sequences, but they have among the best anime OP sequences of all time. [C] isn’t quite at that level–the song’s a bit generic, and those pancake-faced characters will never mesh with CG–but it’s still a creative twist on the show’s theme.
4: “Oath Sign” by LiSA (Fate/Zero)
There’s nothing artsy about this OP. It’s just a flawless piece of animation about a badass group of characters, with a catchy song to boot. And for an action show like Fate/Zero, that’s about all you need to get your viewers pumped. I like to imagine all the characters traveled to movie set for a day to film this, and they all tried to out-badass each other. I’d read a fanfic about that, come to think of it.
3: “Hacking to the Gate” by Kanako Itou (Steins;Gate)
This OP has the same effect as Fate/Zero; it’s a catchy, appropriate song that can get you pumped for the show. It also features a bunch of badasses. The difference? Steins;Gate’s OP has no budget, much like the show itself. Instead, it has to rely on filters, angles, and other tricks to keep the OP busy. And you know what? It works. It looks great as a Madoka opening, too.
2: “Sweet Drop” by Puffy AmiYumi (Usagi Drop)
And for the artsy OP sequences, Usagi Drop’s is far and away my favorite. I love the whimsical style employed here; I love the colors and the designs of the bunnies (best bunnies all year). And I love how appropriate it’s an old-fashioned storybook version of the show, complete with bright colors and animals standing in for people.
1: “Aoi Shiori” by Galileo Galilei (Ano hi Mita Hana wo Bokutachi ga Mada Shiranai)
But in the end, I like a big-budget, sap fest the best. I love how anime dramas are just as expensive as their action counterparts. Sure, there’s no fighting, but you have to pay attention to detail. And this opening has detail in spades. Every scene is bursting with life and movement. Very fitting considering that this show is about moving on from death.
Other openings I love include Nichijou’s “Hyadain no Joujou Yuujou,” Mirai Nikki’s “Kuusou Merosogii,” No. 6’s “Spell”, Persona 4’s “Sky’s the Limit,” Dantalian no Shoka’s “Cras numquam scire,” and Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica’s “Connect.” I really should’ve made this a top fifteen post, but it’s Christmas Eve, and I’m lazy.
So, moment 9? Realizing the best OPs are the most expensive OPs. For the most part. What can I say? I’m shallow!
What were your favorite opening sequences this year?
Note: This is moment 9 in the 12 Moments of Anime Post. One moment a day, twelve days straight. As you can see, I’m late. I’m still late. Will probably get one more post out today, two out tomorrow, and then the yearly review on the 26th. It’s the 24th where I am, by the way. Merry Christmas Eve or Christmas, everyone, depending where you are. Thanks for reading!
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Tofu
Vivi
Suu
After Fate/Zero's opening, Last Exile and UN-GO's openings did it for me this year.
Ohh, good choices. I liked Last Exile's OP a lot, but I do think the original series' one was better.
Yes I like Un-Go's OP…mostly the song but yeah.
My recent post Mode5: Just A Little Free Advertising
yeah it was pretty much School Food Punishment.
Un-Go's OP was awesome. I liked its ED more though, which I put second on the ED sequence list.
What were my favorite OPs of 2011?
November 26th.
(What a horrible plug. Let me add some more text…hmm, can't think of any. Aha, wait, I know the perfect distraction)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haQ54IXisSo
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That's your site's anniversary, right? Congrats man, that's awesome. Can't wait for your 12 Moments post tomorrow.
Fuck yeah, Indian dancing. I say this without irony. I watched a few Bollywood movies this year, and damn, those dudes (and dudettes) can dance.
No Mirai Nikki’s OP? For shame man!
I did put it as my second runner-up, but shame successful. :( What an awesome OP.
This would be difficult for me to say exactly without going to Youtube and listening to every song again but openings i have enjoyed this year off the top of my head are: Kimi ni Todoke, Hanasaku Iroha (1st opening), Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoku, Dantalian no Shoka, Fractale.
Of course the ones you mentioned are all great.
Those are all awesome. Well, Denpa Onna isn't my favorite, but it's certainly memorable. I gave Dantalian no Shoka a shout-out in the runner-ups, but if I made a top twenty, those would likely be there.
Thanks! :)
Matoryoshika” by NICO Touches the Walls = AMAZING!!! It makes me think of Eden of the east so much <3
Guilty Crown! Great great song, I will admit I find myself almost bored with it but thankfully we will get a new opening soon xD
You know, I hadn't made the connection, but that's spot-on. Can't believe I missed that since Eden of the East's OP is one of my favorites of all time. xD
I'm really excited for the new OP because I hear Inori's singer will perform that one. I like her voice a bit more than Koeda's (although Koeda is awesome).